The Brazil international came under fire for approaching the Dutchman, who angered supporters with a £24 million switch to their Premier League rivals in the summer, with his side 1-0 behind at the time thanks to the ex-Gunners star's early goal.

"I'd like to apologise to supporters who felt aggrieved by it," Santos told The Sun.

"Did I think it would cause such a commotion? Of course I didn't, otherwise I would have told Robin to exchange the shirts away from public view."